Di’s ‘rock’ goes on trial for theft

Burrell faces three counts of theft for allegedly taking more than 300 items, including letters, a bullwhip, records and CDs, from Diana, Prince Charles and their son, Prince William, from Kensington Palace, the princess’s London home.

Burrell denies all the charges. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

He was initially arrested on suspicion of theft in January 2001. Police who searched his home in northwestern England allegedly found dozens of Diana’s personal items.

Burrell maintains all were given to him by Diana for safekeeping, and his lawyers have accused authorities of subjecting him to a ‘‘show trial.’’

Burrell, a truck driver’s son who worked for the royal family for 21 years, has written books on etiquette and given speeches about his life with Diana, but he has not worked as a butler since her death in a car crash in France on August 31, 1997.

He and his wife currently run a flower shop near their home.